Minister De Lille hits back over cybercrime theft

This comes after the statement by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, that the department lost at least R300 million over the past decade due to cybercrime.

In a statement on Wednesday, Macpherson said in the latest incident, in May 2024, cyber attackers stole a further R24 million.

It comes amid growing concern over the country's vulnerability to cyber-attacks.

Macpherson said four of the department's officials have already been placed on precautionary suspension.

"It has become clear that the department has been a soft target and playground for cyber criminals for over a 10-year period and this should have been picked up a lot earlier. I felt it important to let South Africa know what has happened and what we are doing about it. I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency.

"We want to put a stop to this immediately because we cannot allow our department to be subjected to unchecked looting. This is money that could have been spent on our infrastructure drive to improve the lives of South Africans. The investigation will be expanded and deepened to find the masterminds and the beneficiaries of this grand theft, and I want to see them in prison", added Minister Macpherson.  

The cybercrime theft occurred during the period which saw De Lille leading the department as the Minister in that portfolio.

In a social media post on Wednesday night, De Lille said she is waiting for the report - and will then respond fully.